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Friend of Arson Suspect in Shock Over Charges

The friend of the teen girl suspected of setting the massive Cocos Fire in May says she's in shock over the charges, which are totally out of character for the girl, as NBC 7's Wendy Fry reports on July 31, 2014. (Published Thursday, July 31, 2014)

An adult friend of the San Marcos girl who prosecutors say deliberately set the massive Cocos Fire in May describes the teenage suspect as “good-hearted, helpful, and encouraging,” and told NBC 7 she is in “shock and disbelief” about the allegations.

“It’s almost like hearing that someone you know has terminal cancer,” said the suspect’s friend. The two know each other from the Southern California competitive bicycling community.